Hamilton pays tribute to F1's snappers

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By his own admittance, Lewis Hamilton isn't always an easy subject to work with for F1's photographers, at least off the track.

So the reigning world champion insisted on paying a tribute to the sport's snappers with a family shot taken on Saturday after qualifying.

"I took this picture after qualifying with all the photographers that have photoed me for the last 12 years," Hamilton wrote on social media.

"I wanted to take this moment with them as life is precious and can sometimes fly by.

"I know I’m not always easy to work with photo wise but I do appreciate you, thank you.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.